All about Rabies
Rabies is a zoonotic disease (i.e. one that can be transmitted to humans from animals) that is caused by a virus. It can infect both domestic and wild mammals and is fatal once symptoms develop. Dogs infected with the virus are responsible for 99% of human deaths from rabies.
Hong Kong has been rabies-free for more than 30 years but 500 people a year die of the disease in mainland China.
The disease is spread from the saliva of infected animals with symptoms usually appearing three to eight weeks later. These symptoms start with flu-like effects – general discomfort, fever, headache – before progressing to acute pain, violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, depression, and terror of water (hydrophobia). Finally, there are periods of mania and lethargy, eventually leading to coma and then death. Unfortunately, there is no available test to diagnose rabies in humans before the onset of symptoms.
Rabies, though, is completely preventable. The first step is to avoid being bitten, particularly by unfamiliar dogs and wild animals. We can play our part in keeping Hong Kong rabies free by not buying pets if we do not know where they come from and making sure that we are responsible pet owners by vaccinating against rabies every three years.
IF YOU ARE BITTEN BY ANY ANIMAL:
- Wash wounds thoroughly with soap, water and an antiseptic such as Betadine for at least 15 minutes to kill as much of the virus as possible.
- Seek medical advice immediately.
- Animal bites should be reported to any Accident and Emergency Department at Hong Kong government hospitals.
- Even if you have been vaccinated against rabies, you may need to be vaccinated again after you are bitten.
About Puppy Trade
Pet Shops
According to the AFCD, nearly 600 pedigree puppies are sold in Hong Kong’s pet shops every month. If you are planning to buy a puppy from a pet shop, you are supporting a long chain of cruelty.
Puppy Mills
Simply put, they are large scale dog breeding operations that aim to produce the most number of puppies for the least cost ...
Puppy Farm Raid
The Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – as we were known in the early days – was formed by a group of volunteers in 1903 who wanted...
Pet Smuggling
The Dali pet market operates from Monday to Friday and provides wholesale and retail sales of animals, pet accessories, pharmaceuticals and veterinary services. It is also a national ...
Genetic Illness
Pedigree dogs are a result of selective, restrictive breeding for characteristics that are "aesthetically pleasing” of a particular breed. Unfortunately, these practices have resulted in breeds with ...
Legislative Changes
For many years, anyone claiming to be a private pet owner was free to sell dogs and puppies. Owners did not need to undergo any licensing or inspections; there were no limitations or ...
Ban the Breeder
We believe that adoption is the best option. A visit to any one of our Centres will reveal a wide range of dogs available. You may find the breed you are looking for, or fall in love with a wonderful ...
Rabies
Rabies is a zoonotic disease (i.e. one that can be transmitted to humans from animals) that is caused by a virus. It can infect both domestic and wild mammals and is fatal once symptoms ...